Evonik acquires silica business of J.M. Huber

Tuesday, 13 December 2016

Evonik Industries AG acquires the silica business of the US company J.M. Huber for EUR593 million. This enables Evonik to expand its position in North America and Asia in this profitable and resilient business.

Longstanding business

"The silica business has been part of Huber since the 1950s and paved the way for our company’s global expansion into engineered materials,” said Mike Marberry, President and Chief Executive Officer of Huber. "While it is difficult to part with a longstanding business, we see Evonik as an excellent strategic fit for both our silica customers and employees.”

Above-average annual growth

The silica market is characterised by its variety of applications and shows above-average annual growth of 4 to 6 percent. Huber’s business is especially oriented towards applications in the consumer goods industry, the dental sector for example. To date, Evonik’s silica business has been focused rather on industrial applications, for example in the tire and coatings industries. "Combining the complementary silica businesses of Evonik and Huber will strengthen an important pillar of our portfolio,” explained Christian Kullmann, Executive Board Member for Strategy at Evonik. "Also, Huber Silica is an excellent regional fit with its focus on the U.S., China and India.”

Sales of close to EUR282 million

For the 2016 financial year, Huber Silica is expected to achieve sales of close to EUR282 million and an EBITDA of EUR56 million. This corresponds to an attractive EBITDA margin of more than 20 percent. Through the ideal complementarity of the two business areas, Evonik expects to generate synergies of EUR19 million, largely in the areas of production, logistics and procurement as well as through harmonization of the product portfolio. Evonik expects to have all synergy measures implemented by 2021.

The depreciations customarily associated with asset deals will lead to lower future cash tax payments with a net present value of around EUR75 million. On this basis, the purchase price (enterprise value) including synergies and tax effects is about seven times the annual EBITDA, or 10.5 times before tax effects and synergies.

Completion in the second half of 2017

The transaction is scheduled to be completed in the second half of 2017, subject to approval by the responsible authorities. The acquisition is likely to have a positive impact on Evonik’s adjusted earnings per share as early as the first full financial year. Financing has been secured through Evonik’s own funds and committed credit facilities. Silica are small particles based on silicon dioxide. Depending on the surface structure, they have a significant influence on the final product characteristics. Production is strongly technology-driven and thus ensures intensive and lasting customer relationships. The manufacturing process is independent from oil-based raw materials and therefore well-suited to Evonik’s sustainable business strategy